Month: August 2012

Parents of all Effingham County schoolchildren are invited to attend the county’s first Parent University, on Sept. 15 at Effingham County Middle School.
The day of free seminars will include discussion of Georgia’s new common core performance standards. Parents also can attend sessions on topics such as local reading initiatives, homework tips, Internet safety, bullying and community resources.
Parent University-Effingham is sponsored by the Springfield Central High School Association, Effingham County Board of Education and community agencies. Organizers say the goal is to help parents meet their children’s needs by “bridging the gap between the home, school and community.”
“Research shows that, when parents are involved in their children’s education at home, the children do better in school. Parent University-Effingham will provide opportunities for parents to sharpen their parenting skills, learn what children are learning in school and how to help,” said Norma Wallace, one of the Parent University organizers.
Parent University will begin with registration and breakfast at 7:30, followed by a general session from 8:45-9:30. Parents will then break out for three sessions – 9:40-10:30, 10:40-11:30 and 11:40-12:30 – on topics they select. Lunch will be served at 12:40.
The entire Parent University program is free of charge. Registration forms are being distributed to all Effingham County students and also are available at the school system’s central office in Springfield. The registration deadline is Sept. 6.
“We are very excited about providing opportunities for parents to gain new understandings and varied points of view on the curriculum, ways to keep the family safe, adolescent behavior, conflict resolution, understanding test scores, health/wellness and cultural enrichment, stress management, leadership development, family and financial literacy and planning – all of which parents can use to help their children succeed not only in school but throughout life,” said Rev. Herbert Hall, chairman of the Springfield Central Association.
In addition to the classes, vendors will be on hand from 7:30-8:45 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Childcare will be available for children ages 6 months-3 years.
For more information about Parent University, call 754-5680, 772-3885 or 754-3835.